Why is there a second trial?
And how is it that when Kaila says the name Hiso, she doesn’t get caught by the Destined Crowns?
Sophie blinked.
【Hero's Eye: The Hero gains limited X-ray and True Vision. The Hero is immune to any effect that senses emotions or reads thoughts; the Hero blocks any charm status, mind-altering, or information-stealing effects directed at them, and the Hero can see through lies in speech.】
Oh, right. She remembered now—the Hero's Eye also blocked information-stealing effects.
Clearly, the Witches couldn't monitor what the Hero said.
But.
Now the pressure was on her.
A second trial, and one where she couldn't lie.
With her Hero's Eye, Kaila had the ability to see through any falsehood.
How was she supposed to handle this?
...
Inside her inner world.
An emergency round-table meeting was being held in a frenzy.
At a massive black round table, three chibi-sized Sophies sat in a dignified manner.
Demon Sophie—with curved demon horns on her head and a sharp heart-tipped tail flicking behind her—was the first to slam the table and stand up. With her hands on her hips, she proposed arrogantly, “Just say ‘Sorry, I don’t want to talk about it!’ We’ve only known her for a few hours. Even if she saved us twice, she doesn't have the right to interrogate us like a criminal!”
Main Sophie, sitting at the head of the table, nodded solemnly. “As they say, the more you speak, the more you err; the less you speak, the fewer the mistakes; and saying nothing is best. Your suggestion is very constructive.”
“Vetoed!”
Angel Sophie—with a golden halo floating above her head and a pair of snow-white wings on her back—stood up immediately. Her brow was furrowed as she loudly voiced her disagreement. “Wasn't the atmosphere between you and Kaila just now quite nice? You even held hands under the full moon! Refusing to communicate will definitely make the conversation drop to freezing point! It’ll make her think you’re hiding something suspicious, and you’ll definitely miss the chance to increase her Favorability!”
Main Sophie hesitated, her hands twisting together. “In... increase Favorability?”
Angel Sophie clenched her fists in front of her chest, her tone exceptionally firm. “Not only that, you might miss the True End because of this! Hidden endings are always buried in these seemingly insignificant early-game choices!”
Main Sophie had a sudden realization. “T-True. In many Galgames, the foreshadowing is laid out in the early choices. Pick one wrong option, and you’ll miss an entire side quest branch.”
“Utterly foolish!” Demon Sophie frowned contemptuously, her bare little feet resting on the round table.
“Beauty is but a hollow shell; the heart is hidden behind a layer of skin. You’re looking at her body, but she might be looking at your life! Wake up, Sophie! You aren’t playing a game with a controller right now; you’re in an otherworldly land where you could die and leave nothing but ashes if you’re not careful! If we miss a chance, we miss it. Once your Stats are high enough to stand supreme over the ages, won't all the heroines in the world be yours to choose from? When you stand at the peak, looking down on all living things, you can just say, ‘It was but a bit of wind and frost,’ and be done with it!”
Main Sophie nodded repeatedly. “That also makes sense. Glossing it over with ‘I don’t want to say’ is enough. There’s no need to take a huge risk of exposing my identity just for a little Favorability.”
“You cold-blooded, heartless demon!” Angel Sophie couldn't take it anymore. She suddenly spread her wings and lunged forward, delivering a resounding slap to Demon Sophie’s cheek. “The Hero just saved us from our blackhearted sister! And you want to guard against her like this? Where is your conscience?!”
“You naive, bird-brained idiot!” Demon Sophie clutched her face and struck back without hesitation, charging forward and delivering a powerful headbutt to Angel Sophie. “Once we’re strong enough, we can just force this nun-hero into the harem! What’s the point of this useless Favorability now? Survival is the only truth!”
Watching the two mental avatars instantly devolve into a brawl, Main Sophie sighed deeply.
Both sides had a point. She was truly stuck in an unprecedented state of indecision.
Just then.
A warm but heavy palm gently patted Main Sophie’s shoulder.
Sophie turned her head, her pupils dilating as she jumped in fright.
“Y-You?” She looked at the familiar yet strange figure before her in shock. “Didn't you... leave me completely the moment I transmigrated?”
“That’s right. Physically, I have indeed left you.”
Primal Sophie nodded deeply, his tone carrying the weariness of someone who had seen through the world. “But at this moment, I feel it is absolutely necessary for me to appear and give you a reminder.”
Seeing Primal Sophie—who had long since departed and should have vanished with the wind—return to the inner world, the brawling Angel and Demon Sophies stopped their fighting. They turned their shocked gazes toward their former ‘second brother.’
Main Sophie swallowed hard and asked humbly, “What is your plan?”
Primal Sophie crossed his arms and stared into Sophie’s eyes, saying each word with absolute seriousness: “Do not forget your original intention for playing Galgames.”
Sophie’s body shuddered as if struck by lightning.
R-Right.
She was weighing all these pros and cons, but she had completely deviated from her original reason for playing Galgames in the first place.
“What do you two think?” Sophie turned to look at the stunned Angel and Demon.
Angel Sophie brushed the dust off her clothes and nodded vigorously. “Let’s trust Primal Sophie’s judgment.”
Demon Sophie rubbed her sore forehead and chimed in, “Let’s trust Primal Sophie’s judgment.”
All thoughts and ideas reached an unprecedented unity at this moment. Sophie felt her inner demons vanish, her Dao Heart becoming crystal clear as she reached a state of oneness with heaven and earth.
A ship in a harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.
The Hero was so cute, her combat power was off the charts, and she had saved her twice in a row.
She simply didn't want to lie to her.
...
【Log: By clearing your mind of stray thoughts, you have obtained the special skill [Pure Lust]】
【Pure Lust (Special): You have purged your inner demons and are immune to all mental control effects.】 〈“Lust guides the mind, action replaces thought; cast aside worldly burdens, for intimacy is the true path.”〉
You might ask if Sophie figured out how to answer.
Sophie would say she has attained enlightenment.
Only half a second had passed in the outside world.
Kaila looked curiously at Sophie’s determined expression.
It was just a question; what was with that look that made it seem like she was about to join a cult?
“Because I know him very well,” Sophie said, clearing her throat.
Kaila’s eyes flickered slightly.
“I’m more familiar with him than anyone else in this world. I know his habits and his weaknesses. If you need, I can take you to find him.”
Sophie patted her chest confidently.
“Then I’ll be counting on you,” Kaila nodded.
Sophie froze.
Wait, you actually want to find him?
【Due to making an important promise, Kaila’s Favorability +20】
A direct +20?
So, what exactly do you want with Hiso?
Kaila’s expression didn't seem to change, but Sophie could sense a hint of... happiness in her voice?
“Bathing,” Kaila continued their previous topic. “I know of a spring nearby.”
“Sure. You go first? Or should I?” Sophie asked.
Kaila tilted her head and pointed at the Red Moon in the sky.
Sophie finally realized. “W-We’re bathing together?”
Kaila said succinctly, “Obviously.”
Rate on N.U.
